1. Physical Strength: Lennie is characterized by his exceptional physical strength, which is often conveyed through his powerful hands. His large hands represent his potential to be both a valuable worker and a source of danger if not properly controlled.
2. Childlike Innocence: Despite his large stature, Lennie's hands are also described in a way that suggests a childlike innocence. They are often described as soft, gentle, and childlike, reflecting Lennie's childlike nature and vulnerability.
3. Symbolism and Foreshadowing: Steinbeck uses Lennie's hands symbolically throughout the novel. For instance, when Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife, his hands are described as "paws" or "claws," symbolizing his loss of control and the destructive power of his strength. Such instances of symbolism and foreshadowing deepen the novel's themes.
4. Theme of Natural vs. Societal: Lennie's affinity for animals and his inability to control his strength emphasize the conflict between natural instinct and societal norms. His hands represent the primal, instinctual side of human nature that can lead to both beauty and destruction.
5. Contrast with George: Steinbeck creates a contrast between Lennie's hands and George's hands. While Lennie's hands signify physical power, George's hands are described as capable and intelligent. This contrast illustrates the balance between strength and intellect, which is a central theme in the novel.
6. Pathos and Tragic Flaw: Lennie's childlike innocence and the tragic consequences resulting from his hands evoke pathos and compassion in the reader. His hands become a reminder of his fatal weakness and contribute to the novel's tragic dimension.
Overall, Steinbeck's descriptions of Lennie's hands serve multiple narrative functions, encompassing symbolism, characterization, foreshadowing, and the exploration of themes related to strength, innocence, nature, and the tragic nature of human limitations.